Hughes focused on Mooney ahead of potential British title shot

Liam Hoden

Maxi Hughes will be determined to avoid any hiccups as he returns to the ring tonight to face Michael Mooney for the second time in his career.

The Rossington super flyweight meets Mooney at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on a card headlined by regular sparring partner Josh Warrington.

And he will be hoping to come through unscathed as expected after the British Boxing Board of Control opened up a route for his dream of winning a British title later this year.

The Board have ordered the 26-year-old to face Barnsley-based Andy Townend in a final eliminator for the British super featherweight title.

The clash has been mooted for some time as the two South Yorkshire fighters progressed through the early stages of their career, especially with ‘KO Kid’ Townend mainly fighting out of Hughes’ native Doncaster under Stefy Bull’s banner.

And it will be a chance for the pair to settle an historic score, having faced each other four times in their amateur careers.

Each man has two wins over the other.

Big punching Townend’s English title will also be on the line with the fight ordered to take place before the end of August.